What did I expect of Norway's capital city? Certainly not this elegant, thoroughly modern metropolis, with an integrated transport system that runs like clockwork, wide streets, designer shops and beautiful museums.
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Apartment Buildings
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The Museum of Modern Art |
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New developments on the waterfront |
The opera house is stunning, with marble sloping roofs like ski slopes.
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All marble and glass |
I'd been warned that Oslo was expensive, but didn't find it much more punitive than central London. We were staying in a borrowed apartment in the centre, which made it more affordable, buying food in the local supermarket and eating with friends. Norwegians are helpful, friendly and hospitable. It's a country with a low population density and you can feel the relaxed atmosphere. Apparently it's become a little more cautious since the terrible events of 2011, when Anders Breivik killed 77 people. The prime minister and the royal family no longer wander around the streets freely without a posse of security guards.
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Tumbling babies in Vigeland Park |
Our friend Caroline, who's an architect, invited us to lunch and then took us to Vigeland Park - one of the big attractions of the city. Vigeland was one of Norway's most famous artists and created a huge park full of nude sculptures. It's supposed to be a meditation on life and death and all the human stages in between and is very impressive.
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Vigeland - elderly compassion |
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A mother giving her children a piggy-back, with a few extra! |
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The central pillar carved with human bodies piled on top of each other. |
Sculpture was the reason we were there - for our friend Julia Vance's big exhibition. It was the first time I'd seen many of the pieces - particularly one big alabaster like a space ship, with the interior carved like honeycomb. I loved it - and so did someone else, because it sold straight away.
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Exterior |
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Interior |
It was a great party!
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Wonder what these two ladies are saying to each other? |
Having got out of bed at 3am to catch the Ryanair flight from Pisa to Oslo, we didn't manage to last out the evening - collapsing into our borrowed bed and asleep before midnight. I wanted lots of energy for the Viking Museum - 1st on my list of "must sees". It didn't disappoint, but I'll post the pics tomorrow.
I have to say that from what I can see of Julia's alabaster piece, I love it too!
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